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ESLBeginner Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

"first" and "firstly"

Hello, world you please tell me what's the difference between 'firstly' and 'first(as adv.)' ? thanks.
  

Top answer

I seldom use the adverbial suffix (-ly) on the adjective first , (either in speaking or writing) because first is recognized an adverb. It me, it's an affectation. But you will see it in texts introducing an introductory paragraph or sentence in a short list of argumentative points: Firstly.....

— AlpheccaStars

  • I seldom use the adverbial suffix (-ly) on the adjective first , (either in speaking or writing) because first is recognized an adverb.
  • It me, it's an affectation.
  • But you will see it in texts introducing an introductory paragraph or sentence in a short list of argumentative points: Firstly.....
  • Secondly....
  • But when you get beyond seventhly you are getting into a very rarified atmosphere of language use.
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4 Answers
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I seldom use the adverbial suffix (-ly) on the adjective first, (either in speaking or writing) because first is recognized an adverb. It me, it's an affectation.

But you will see it in texts introducing an introductory paragraph or sentence in a short list of argumentative points:
Firstly.....
Secondly....
...

But when you get beyond seventhly
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Hello,

In the modern English,firstly is only used in enumerative heads;and some prefer first ,even though closely followed by secondly, thirdly, etc.
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coloradayand some prefer first ,even though closely followed by secondly, thirdly, etc.
Really? I was taught to use them consistently - I mean, either first, second, third... (more common) or firstly, secondly, thirdly ... (quite formal).
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